Dorothy's Story (Falls/Chest Infection)

What is Dorothy's Story About?

This story is about Dorothy. It talks about when she fell or got a chest infection. Let's find out more about what happened to her.

If you want extra help, you can:

• Ask someone to read it with you.
• Use a dictionary to look up words you don't understand.
• Take breaks if you find it hard to read all at once.

Who is Dorothy?

Who is Dorothy? This means we want to know about a person named Dorothy. Think about who she is and what she does. To help, you could look at pictures or listen to stories about Dorothy.

Why is falling a big worry for older people?

Why do older people fall down?

What happens when you have a chest infection?

A chest infection can make you feel sick. Here are some signs:

• You might cough a lot.
• Your chest could feel painful or tight.
• You might have a fever, which means feeling hot or cold and shivery.
• You could feel really tired and sleepy.
• You might have trouble breathing.

If you have some of these signs, it can help to:

• Drink lots of water.
• Get rest and sleep.
• See a doctor if you feel very sick.

Ask someone you trust to help you if you are worried.

How can older people stop chest infections?

How do caregivers help prevent falls and chest infections?

Caregivers are people who help others stay safe and healthy.

They can make sure the home is safe to stop falls. For example, they might move things you can trip on or help you walk.

They also watch out for signs of chest infections, like coughing or trouble breathing.

Caregivers can remind you to wash your hands and stay away from sick people.

If someone feels sick or hurt, caregivers can get help from doctors or nurses.

Talking and listening are good ways for caregivers to know what you need.

Some helpful tools for caregivers are checklists and calendars to track health and safety.

What problems can an older person have if they get a chest infection?

How do doctors find out if you have a chest infection?

What can help if you have a chest infection?

If you have a chest infection, there are things that can help you feel better.

• Go to the doctor: The doctor can tell you what medicine you might need.
• Rest: Get plenty of sleep to help your body fight the infection.
• Drink water: Drinking lots of water can help you stay healthy.
• Keep warm: Staying warm can help your body heal.
• Use a hot drink: A warm drink can soothe your throat.
• Ask for help: Talk to someone if you feel worried. It's okay to ask for help.

These things can help you feel better and get well sooner. If you feel very sick, tell an adult or see a doctor.

How can we make home safer to stop falling?

Here are some easy things you can do to make home safer:

• Keep the floors clear of toys or things you might trip on.
• Use night lights to see better when it's dark.
• Put non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen to stop slipping.
• Wear shoes with good grip, not slippery socks.
• Hold onto handrails when using stairs.

Try using these tools or asking someone for help:

• Walking stick or walker if you need extra support.
• Ask family or a friend to help organize and keep things tidy.

What to Do if an Older Person Falls?

If an older person falls, stay calm and help them. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

• Check if they are hurt. Ask them if they feel pain anywhere.
• If they are hurt, call for help. You can phone a doctor or an ambulance.
• If they are not hurt, help them get up slowly and safely. Use a chair if they need support.
• Stay with them until they feel okay.

Tools that might help:

• A phone to call for help if needed.
• A chair for support when they stand up.

Can exercise stop falls and chest infections?

Exercise is good for your body. Moving your body can make you stronger and healthier.

Strong muscles can help you keep your balance. This means you might not fall over as much.

Exercise also helps your lungs stay healthy. This can help stop chest infections.

To stay safe, try easy exercises like walking or gentle stretching. You can ask a friend or family member to join you.

Using a video or app can help make exercising fun. Always listen to your body and rest if you need to.

What are signs that an older person might fall down?

Let’s talk about signs that an older person might fall down. Here are some things to look for:

• Moving Slowly: If an older person moves slowly, they might fall.
• Trouble Walking: Look for wobbly walking or trouble with steps.
• Holding Onto Things: An older person who holds onto furniture or walls might be at risk.
• Past Falls: If they have fallen before, they might fall again.
• Feeling Dizzy: If they feel dizzy, they could lose balance and fall.

To help, you can:

• Make their home safe by removing things they can trip over.
• Encourage using a stick or walker if needed.
• Ask a doctor for exercises that make them stronger.

Why is it important to treat chest infections in older people quickly?

Chest infections can make people very sick, especially if they are older. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This can help them get better faster.

Use simple words and short sentences when explaining to someone. Watching videos or using pictures can also help them understand.